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Underpin vs Embody - What's the difference?

underpin | embody |

In lang=en terms the difference between underpin and embody

is that underpin is to support from below with props or masonry while embody is to include or represent, especially as part of a cohesive whole.

As verbs the difference between underpin and embody

is that underpin is to support from below with props or masonry while embody is to represent in a physical form; to incarnate or personify.

underpin

English

Verb

(underpinn)
  • To support from below with props or masonry.
  • You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.
  • (figuratively) To give support to; to corroborate.
  • Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.

    embody

    English

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To represent in a physical form; to incarnate or personify
  • As the car salesman approached, wearing a plaid suit and slicked-back hair, he seemed to embody sleaze.
  • * South
  • The soul, while it is embodied , can no more be divided from sin.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2012, date=November 7, author=Matt Bai, title=Winning a Second Term, Obama Will Confront Familiar Headwinds, work=New York Times citation
  • , passage=The generational shift Mr. Obama once embodied is, in fact, well under way, but it will not change Washington as quickly — or as harmoniously — as a lot of voters once hoped.}}
  • To include or represent, especially as part of a cohesive whole
  • The US Constitution aimed to embody the ideals of diverse groups of people, from Puritans to Deists.
    The principle was recognized by some of the early Greek philosophers who embodied it in their systems.

    Derived terms

    * disembody * embodiment